Mantras In Hinduism Religion

Hinduism

Hinduism is a religion that uses chanting of mantras as part of prayer rituals or puja. (Prothero, 140; 157-159) Additionally, they practice yoga to find and activate the centers of energy, thus raising their dominant spiritual power. (Prothero, 137; 148) For that reason, domestic rituals or puja are an essential part of Hindu life as well as pilgrimage. (Prothero, 157-159)

Another important aspect is having a shrine of a divine figure. (Prothero, 153, 158) Generally, a shrine consists of the following: a photograph of a chosen god; fragrance of fresh flowers and fruit mixes with incense and perfumes in the air; a bell, and an oil lamp that sits beside the scripture from which prayers are read. (Prothero, 153, 158) Therefore, the

The most religious leaders are called Brahmins, whom are born in the highest caste. (Prothero, 142; 149) Their primary duties are learning and preserving the sacred texts and performing sacred rituals. (Prothero, 148-151) The caste system could be viewed as discrimination or bias to people of the lower caste. They will never have the opportunity to move up in leadership due to their predetermined (hereditary) social status.

Buddhism

As with Hinduism, mantras are also practiced and believed to embody the power and attributes of deities. (Prothero, 178) (Novak, 79) In addition, the practice of meditation is central to nearly all forms of Buddhism, and is a form of mental concentration that leads ultimately to enlightenment and spiritual freedom. (Prothero, 178-179) (Novak, 92) There are several types of Buddhist meditation: vipassana (insight), samatha (tranquility), or metta (unconditional love). (Prothero, 178-179)

As with these rituals, the benefit is not from an external entity, but more of a personal effort of focusing on positive energy not wrong views and understandings. (Prothero,

The purpose is to serve as a place of remembrance for those ancestors whose wisdom and understanding has improved the quality of their lives.

Additionally, Yoruba uses sixteen major books in Odu Ifa as guidance. (Prothero, 204-205; 235) When joined, 256 Odu's are believed to reference all situations, circumstances, actions and consequences in life based on the uncountable ese (poetic tutorials) on the 256 Odu coding. (Prothero, 204-205; 235) These form the basis of traditional spiritual knowledge and foundations of all divination systems.

Leadership is comprised of specially trained priests (Babalawo or Iyalawo) “who through Ifa, can help us recover our destiny, protect it through sacrifice, and fulfill it through action in the world.” (Prothero, 204; 235-236) This religion believes in church membership and social status (seniority) when establishing leadership but that can cause a division among the congregation and development of factions if all do not agree with the decision of the church. (Prothero, 219;